HRH HENRY BINIDODOGHA BERATES WARRI KINGDOM WOMEN: NEXT PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR MUST COME FROM EDO STATE IJAWS, NOT ITSEKIRIS
By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
For Global Egberi Media International Ltd
The Niger Delta has been thrust into a heated political debate after the Voice of Warri Kingdom Women Initiative released a video and open letter calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint an Itsekiri as the next head of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). The group stressed that only Ijaws have historically occupied the position, urging for greater ethnic inclusivity.
However, the call has been sharply rebuked by His Royal Highness Henry Binidodogha, (Egbema I), a respected traditional ruler from Edo State and former Niger Delta activist. HRH Binidodogha did not mince words, berating the women for what he described as a misguided attempt to claim a position historically earned through struggle and sacrifice by the Ijaw community.
HRH Binidodogha: “Next PAP Head Must Be Edo State Ijaws”
In a strongly worded statement, HRH Binidodogha reminded the public that the Ijaws were the first to fight for resource control and the establishment of the Amnesty Programme. He questioned the Warri Kingdom women, saying:
“Where were the Itsekiris when Ijaws were on the frontlines for resource control and the amnesty programme? Leadership of PAP is earned, not demanded by ethnic petition.”
He further emphasised that the next Administrator must be an Ijaw from Edo State, reflecting both historical contribution and rightful claim to leadership in the programme.
Warri Kingdom Women Call for Representation
The open letter from the women’s group, led by prominent community figures, argued that appointing an Itsekiri would address historical underrepresentation and promote inclusivity within federal programmes. The video appeal pointed out that most past appointments have gone to Ijaws from Bayelsa and Delta States, leaving Itsekiris without representation despite the economic and social contributions of their communities.
While the appeal highlights legitimate aspirations for federal inclusivity, HRH Binidodogha’s response underscores the historical sacrifices of the Ijaw people and the expected rotation of leadership to Edo State Ijaws.
Historical Context: Presidential Amnesty Programme Leadership
The Presidential Amnesty Programme, launched in 2009, was designed to disarm militants in the Niger Delta and facilitate reintegration through vocational training and education. Leadership has traditionally been drawn from the communities that were most active in militancy and advocacy for resource control — predominantly Ijaws.
This historical reality, HRH Binidodogha argues, gives Edo State Ijaws both the moral and strategic claim to produce the next PAP Administrator.
Implications for the Niger Delta
The debate highlights ongoing tensions over ethnic representation versus historical merit in federal appointments. Experts note that while inclusivity is important, the next PAP leader must also demonstrate experience, commitment to peacebuilding, and dedication to the development of the Niger Delta.
Communities across the region now watch closely as the Federal Government weighs a decision that balances historical contributions, ethnic equity, and the overarching goal of sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
Source: Vanguard Nigeria / Fresh Angle International / Stakeholder Democracy Network
Website: www.globalegberi.com.ng/wp
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